Set figure window to be always on top.

Changes the always-on-top window state.

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SETALWAYSONTOP(HFIG,TRUE) will make Matlab figure with handle HFIG to be on top of other windows in the OS even though it might not be in focus.

SETALWAYSONTOP(HFIG,FALSE) will put figure back to normal window state.

SETALWAYSONTOP(HFIG) is the same as SETALWAYSONTOP(HFIG,TRUE).

Second boolean argument TRUE/FALSE can also be exchanged to numerical 1/0.

Restrictions:
HFIG must have property value: Visible = on.
HFIG must have property value: WindowStyle = normal.
Swing components must be available in the current Matlab session.

Example:
hFig = figure;
setAlwaysOnTop(hFig,true); % figure is now on top of other windows

Cite As

Per-Anders Ekstrom (2026). Set figure window to be always on top. (https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/14103-set-figure-window-to-be-always-on-top), MATLAB Central File Exchange. Retrieved .

Acknowledgements

Inspired: WinOnTop

Categories

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General Information

MATLAB Release Compatibility

  • Compatible with any release

Platform Compatibility

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
Version Published Release Notes Action
1.0.0.0